What if liquid is observed in the drain field vent or observation tubes?
Liquid observed in the drain field usually indicates that the soil absorption capability of the drain field is reduced and ponding is progressing. Many systems begin ponding within the first few years. The ponded state of a drain field is usually a slowly developing condition. The estimated life of today’s drainage fields under normal usage is 15-25 years. The drain field is ponded to some degree during most of these years. A consistently rising level of ponding is a possible indicator as to the life expectancy of a drain field. Sludge in a vent pipe or observation tube is an indicator of a more serious condition. Many lending institutions have been using the observance of any liquid in a vent or observation tube as the sole criteria for rejecting a septic system from a proposed sale or purchase of a home. As noted above, this is a subjective and inaccurate conclusion. A more reasonable condition of a sale would be to make sure that there is a suitable replacement drain field area avai
